Quran Talks (1 of 9): Surah Al Inshi'rah

Al Inshi’rah The Qur’an is the ultimate manual of existence, containing within it endless horizons of knowledge that are directly usable to the believer in any situation in which they find themselves. The miracle of the Qur’an is that it uses ordinary language in a transcendent manner: taking discernable linguistic terms and relating them to celestial, cosmic Reality. The focus of this discourse is Surah Inshi’rah, which relates closely to the surah revealed before it, both historically and in meaning: Ad Duha. In his commentary, Shaykh Fadhlalla draws from both of these surahs, presenting the historical significance surrounding the occurrence of these early unveilings as a metaphor for spiritual unfolding and opening. It is related directly to the Prophet but also, by extension, to all of humanity. The journey of growth and awakening is an unfolding into knowledge and light from the darkness of ignorance. These surahs address this directly, describing the darkness of ignorance which existed at that time and at all times. We are driven to move along the prescribed, harmonious and appropriate patterns of life. By turning away from the ever changing lower self and worshipping at the altar of constancy – the ever constant light of the soul within our hearts – we can transcend all changing realities to experience that one eternal reality. Shaykh Fadhlallah indicates the interplay between boundless Reality and this limited life, describing the duty this implies for all human beings to rise towards total responsibility and accountability in space and time. Verse by verse, he reveals the pathways that facilitate the way of transformation, focussing on key descriptions like self purification; balance, inner and outer courtesy, the Decree, destiny, and divine will. Shaykh Fadhlallah demonstrates the meaning of this moment, right Now, presenting a distilled disclosure about the Muhammadi path of salvation that is perfected Iman, Islam, Ih’san. These three stepping stones make it possible to fulfill our human duty and complete the purpose of life by resonating with and witnessing Allah’s perfections.